In our series “Top Car Features We Are Thankful For,” we covered some of the most convenient features cars today offer drivers.  Acura has debuted their Next Generation AcuraLink® connected car system at the Los Angeles Auto show, and it has all the features we would expect – and more!

This new connected car system is cloud-based, and will debut early this year in the 2014 Acura RLX luxury sedan.  AcuraLink® services are now available through embedded technology and web-enabled devices tethered to the car. This brings a whole new level of convenience, media, and security features to the new RLX.

Below are some of the features you can expect to see in the Next Generation AcuraLink®:

•    Connect to thousands of personalized cloud-based news, information, and media feeds from around the world, using an intuitive audio-based interface.
•    Navigation with a real-time traffic service. This includes both updated freeway and for the first time, surface-street-traffic. Not only does this system give you up to the minute updates on    traffic and road conditions, but also allows you to choose the most fuel-efficient route.
•    Vehicle feature guide.
•    Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® mobile phone connectivity.
•    SMS text message function.
•    Email function.
•    Pandora interface.
•    SiriusXM® Radio.

There will be three packages available, all of them subscriber based. The Standard Package will include all of the above listed features. The next level is the Connect Package that will include all of the above, plus an imbedded cellular phone in the RLX. Having this phone leads to several additional features which are certainly worth looking into. Finally is the Premium Package. This package includes a 24/7 live operator concierge service at the push of a button. How’s that for personalized service?

Check out the full press release detailing all the available options and features!

Got your hands full with car shopping? The 2013 Ford Escape is designed to lend you a hand!  Great for someone on the go, this roomy SUV has tons of features and accessories. Not to mention it has many eco-friendly options available. This is definitely one of the most convenient SUVs on the market.

Let’s talk about going green. The new Escape has two available EcoBoost engines that are awesomely efficient, getting you 33 highway mpg. Plus the seat cushion and head restraint foam are derived from soybeans and the carpet is produced using a blend of fibers derived from recycled plastic bottles. This will help you go green and will save you some gas money, too!

Ready for a full-sized smart car? This one is a genius! With available features like SYNC with MyFord Touch, you can drive at ease. Use voice commands to listen to your favorite songs, take calls, use the Navigation System, and even control the climate in the car. Trouble parallel parking? No problem! Activate the park assist and the Escape looks for a spot for you and then assists you while parking. All you have to do is control the shifting, accelerating, and braking.

If you are always on the go and your hands are full, this SUV is definitely one to look in to. With the push-button start, there’s no need to dig around in your pocket or purse for your keys. As long as the key fob is in the vehicle, you just press the brake pedal and then the start button and you are ready to go. And possibly the best of all, there is a foot-activated liftgate. How many times are you dragging groceries or luggage out to your car and have no extra hands to open the liftgate? With this feature all you have to do is kick your foot under the bumper and the power liftgate automatically opens! Use this easy access to keep your hands full and give your back a break.

The Escape is also great for any road trips and adventures. It has 4WD available to keep you safe no matter if its rain, snow, or shine. Plus, you can fold down the second row seating for tons of storage space. Taking a little trailer or some jet skis with you? The Escape with a 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs. with sway control.

If you are looking to get a new car this year, we think the 2013 Ford Escape is absolutely a top pick! With all of the options and features, there’s an Escape to fit every type of driver and lifestyle.

On September 19th we saw the release of the totally re-designed Honda Accord. If you are looking to get some bang for your buck, the buck stops here. Honda has literally added thousands of dollars worth of features and technologies to its base model while only increasing the price by about $200 (depending on the model you choose).  You can expect your new Accord to cost $21,860 for the base model and up to $33,430 for the high-end Accord Touring model.  

Honda has taken itself to the next level, completely rebuilding the Accord- from the ground up. Not only does it have a new sleek look, but the technology it packs is competitive and impressive. You will find that every new Accord comes standard with alloy wheels, rearview camera, expanded view driver’s mirror, Pandora Internet Radio® capability, USB/iPod ®integration, Bluetooth®, AM/FM/CD audio, SMS text message function, and dual-zone auto climate control.

If that’s not enough to get you into this car, let’s talk fuel efficiency. Not only is this car fun to drive, but it is leading in its class on fuel efficiency. The 4 cylinder Accord rocks an impressive 27/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined fuel economy rating. That doesn’t impress you? Well, how about the 6 cylinder model, which is rated the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the midsize sedan V-6 class. You are looking at a city/highway/combined fuel efficiency rating of 21/34/25.

Still looking for more options? The 2013 Accord offers other impressive technologies such as the all-new HondaLink™ system which allows you to stay connected to your phone, social media, and music- so you can put your phone away. We are also seeing the all-new Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot monitoring system debut in the Accord.  Switching lanes make you a little nervous? Not any more, with a camera integrated in the passenger side mirror and using the 8 inch color display screen, you can see everything coming your way.

For a family friendly and gas efficient car loaded with the latest technologies, we think the new Accord is quite the value!